TESTED: We The Riders Slayer Pants
We The Riders have just released their much anticipated Slayer pants, and this might just be one of the best pairs on the market.
Words and photos: Georgina von Marburg
We the Riders is a burgeoning mountain bike apparel brand based out of the Sunshine Coast. Established in 2017, WTR products are worn by passionate Aussies everywhere, from local trail rides to the World Cup circuit. They are one of many local brands popping up in the apparel market, distinguishable by their classic logo and casual designs. But don’t be fooled by the laid-back branding – WTR are producing some exceptionally high quality products in a fiercely competitive scene. They’ve flown under my radar until recently, when the release of their new Slayer pants had me and other pant-duro converts curious. I had the pleasure of reviewing a host of trail pants earlier this year, so I was interested to see how the WTR pants compared.
Features
Pulling the WTR Slayer pants out of their biodegradable parcel, I could already notice a quality weight and feel about them. The knees are reinforced by an extra panel, and the polyester and spandex fabric itself is impressively stretchy.
The ankles and the back of the waist feature elastic panels, while the closure system is comprised of both a zip and plastic ratchet. There are two reasonably deep pockets with YKK zips on each side of the hip, and small laser-cut air vents on the inside of each thigh.
Clearly, a huge amount of thought and design has gone into these pants. All of the above features are what you would expect to find in high-end mountain bike pants, and the Slayers are ticking these boxes at RRP $149.95. There are plenty of logos present, while remaining very subtle. And of course, you can never go wrong with a plain black colourway.
Fit and Cut
Women may be disappointed to learn these are only available in the normal men’s sizing of 26, 28, 30, 32, etc.. However, this does not necessarily make them a men’s pant. These could comfortably be sold as a unisex pant with sizes to suit various body shapes thanks the elastic panels and stretchy fabric. I usually wear a women’s Medium (10-12) and found the size 30 Slayer pant to be an excellent race fit; I’d just size up if I wanted a baggier aesthetic.
Like all good pants, there is extra fabric around the knees to house any knee guard, from everyday trail guards to downhill padded guards. I had no issues fitting the burly Fox Launch Pro guards beneath my pair. I’m also a fan of a tight fit around the calves and ankles, and the well tapered Salyer pants ensure they won’t be snagging your cranks.
The fit around the waist is high enough to be comfortable, but low enough to remain in place while in the saddle. The ratchet closure system is a popular option amongst many riders for the purpose of keeping the pants tight and secure while pumping out of the saddle on long descents.
On the trail
Happy with the features and fit, it was time to put the Slayer’s comfort and durability to the test. Pedaling uphill, I rarely ever had to fix or adjust the pants. The pockets stow phones and accessories along the back of your thigh, meaning their contents don’t interfere with pedal strokes. While the pants were tight, adding to the pockets didn’t affect the fit which is huge plus for those looking for well fitted pants.
In the spring conditions, the fabric was breathable enough; they might be on the sweatier side in summer, but it’s hard to find a black trail pant that isn’t. For shuttle days however, the Slayer will provide ample ventilation.
I haven't worn these for long enough to test their long term durability, but they've withstood several wash cycles, scrapes, and close calls with ease. There are no loose threads to be seen anywhere, nor have I snagged a zipper on the fabric yet – signs of quality craftsmanship. The fabric density is akin to a Fox Defend pant, albeit lighter and stretchier than its competitor; so I imagine it will withstand the usual stack or dirt nap.
Conclusion
It’s always a good sign when a reviewer has little to write about a product during the riding stage of the test. I never felt hindered or held back by the Slayer pants while riding uphill or downhill, sometimes causing me to forget I was testing them at all. They’re a superbly comfortable fit, and all the features amount to a set-and-forget pant that allows you to focus on riding while the pants do everything else. I cannot overemphasise how impressive the Slayers are for WTR’s first pair of pants. After testing multiple pants over the last 12 months, I’ve learned many things need to go right to create a pant that can be worn every day, for both casual and aggressive riding. The Slayer claims a rightful spot in achieving this, alongside some pricier competition. WTR have knocked this product out of the bike park, and every Aussie rider should seriously consider these as a staple in their closet.
RRP: $149.95 AUD
From: wetheriders.com.au
